Mountain Logic™ Guides Ice Axes and Crampons | Page 12

Guide Tips: Crampons\r\n\r\nMaintenance\r\n Inspect your spikes before a climb. \r\n Make sure the straps and buckles are in good shape.\r\n Check for loose screws or rivets.\r\n Sharpen your spikes occasionally. There are resources available online if you’re \r\n interested in learning the technique for yourself.\r\n\r\nStiff or Flex Bar - Crampons come with a rigid or flex center bar. With rigid soled mountaineering boots either bar will work. Look for a flex bar if you plan to wear crampons with a more flexible boot. Go for a rigid bar if you plan to tackle steep terrain or vertical ice. \r\n\r\nCrampons with Overboots - Though most modern crampons will work with overboots, the easiest, and our opinion the best, binding system to use on an expedition climb requiring overboots is the strap-on style.\r\n\r\nAnti-Balling Plate- Get crampons that have an anti-balling (ABS or anti-bott) plate. The soft, smooth plastic keeps snow from sticking to the bottom of the boot and reducing the effectiveness of your crampon.\r\n\r\nCrampon/Boot Compatibility - Strap on bindings will work with most boots, but hybrid and step-in binding require specific boots. Hybrid crampons require at least a heel welt (groove at the back of the boot) and full step-in bindings require both toe and heel welts.